You’ve always admired those flawless contoured looks on social media, but when it comes to actually applying cream contour, it can be a bit intimidating. Fear not! In this article, we’ll walk you through the proper way to achieve that perfectly sculpted face. Whether you’re a makeup novice or a seasoned pro, these step-by-step instructions will have you contouring like a pro in no time. Say goodbye to harsh lines and hello to a natural, defined look that will have heads turning. Let’s get started!
Preparation
Before you start your cream contouring journey, it’s essential to prepare your face properly. This step ensures that your contour goes on smoothly and lasts throughout the day.
Cleanse your face
Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, excess oil, or makeup. This step helps to create a clean canvas for your contour application. Rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Moisturize your skin
Next, moisturize your skin with a lightweight and non-greasy moisturizer. This step helps to hydrate your skin and creates a smooth surface for your contour products to glide on. Make sure to focus on areas that tend to be drier, such as your cheeks and forehead.
Apply primer
To ensure your contour stays in place all day, apply a primer before moving on to the actual contouring process. Primer helps to fill in any fine lines or pores, creating a smooth base for your makeup. Apply a small amount and gently massage it into your skin, focusing on your T-zone or any areas where you tend to get oily.
Choosing the Right Shade
Choosing the right shade of contour cream is crucial for achieving a natural-looking result. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect shade for your skin tone.
Determine your undertone
Before selecting a contour shade, determine your undertone. Undertones can be warm, cool, or neutral. A quick way to figure out your undertone is to look at the veins on your wrist. If they appear bluish, you likely have a cool undertone. If they appear greenish, you have a warm undertone. If you can’t quite tell, you may have a neutral undertone. Knowing your undertone will help you choose a contour shade that complements your skin.
Select a shade 2-3 shades darker than your skin
When choosing a contour shade, opt for one that is 2-3 shades darker than your natural skin tone. This contrast helps create the illusion of shadows, enhancing the natural contours of your face. Be mindful not to go too dark, as it can result in a harsh or unnatural look.
Consider your skin type
Consider your skin type when selecting a contour shade. If you have fair or dry skin, opt for a cream contour that has a more subtle or dewy finish. If you have oily or combination skin, go for a matte or powder contour that helps control shine throughout the day.
Tools and Products
Having the right tools and products is essential for achieving a flawless contour. Here are some recommendations to ensure you’re well-equipped for the task.
Select a contouring cream
Choose a contouring cream that suits your skin type and shade. Cream contour products are great for creating a seamless and natural look. Look for a cream contour that is easy to blend and buildable, allowing you to customize the intensity of your contour.
Choose the right brushes
Invest in a variety of brushes designed for contouring. A small, angled brush is perfect for precise contouring, while a fluffy brush can be used for blending and diffusing the product. Make sure the brushes you select are soft, dense, and of high quality for seamless application.
Consider using a sponge
A makeup sponge, such as a beauty blender, can also be a useful tool for cream contouring. Use the sponge to blend and soften harsh lines, creating a more natural look. Wet the sponge, squeeze out the excess water, and gently bounce it over your contour for a flawless blend.
Mapping Your Face
Before diving into the actual application, it’s important to identify your facial features and determine which areas you want to contour. This step will help you achieve a well-defined and balanced look.
Identify your facial features
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with your facial features. Pay attention to the natural shadows and contours of your face, such as the hollows of your cheeks, the sides of your nose, and the jawline. Understanding your unique features will guide you in determining where to apply your contour.
Determine the areas to contour
Once you’ve identified your facial features, decide which areas you want to contour. Common areas include the hollows of the cheeks, temples, jawline, sides of the nose, and the perimeter of the forehead. Select the areas that you want to define or slim down, keeping in mind your face shape and desired outcome.
Highlighting versus contouring
It’s important to note the difference between highlighting and contouring. While contouring creates shadows to define and sculpt the face, highlighting brings forward specific areas, giving them a luminous and youthful appearance. For a complete and balanced look, consider incorporating both highlighting and contouring techniques.
Application Technique
Now that you’re familiar with your facial features and have chosen the areas to contour, it’s time to dive into the actual application process.
Apply foundation first
Start by applying your foundation all over your face, including the areas you plan to contour. This step helps to create an even base and ensures a seamless blend between your natural skin tone and the contour shade. Use a brush, sponge, or your fingertips to apply the foundation evenly and blend it into your skin.
Start with the hollows of your cheeks
Begin the contouring process by focusing on the hollows of your cheeks. Using a small, angled brush or your contouring cream, apply the product just below your cheekbones. Start from the center of your ear and blend towards the corner of your mouth, following the natural curve of your cheekbone. Apply the product sparingly at first and gradually build up the intensity to achieve your desired level of contour.
Blend upwards towards your ears
Once you’ve applied the contour, blend it upwards towards your ears using small circular motions. This blending technique helps to create a seamless transition between the contour and your foundation, avoiding any harsh lines. Continue to blend until the contour shade appears natural and diffused.
Blending
Blending is a crucial step in achieving a natural and flawless contour. Here are some tips to help you blend like a pro.
Use a light hand
When blending your contour, it’s important to use a light hand. Applying too much pressure can lead to a patchy or muddy appearance. Start with a small amount of product and gradually build it up, focusing on achieving a seamless blend.
Blend using circular motions
To blend your contour effectively, use small circular motions with your brush or sponge. This technique helps to evenly distribute the product and soften any harsh lines. Blend inwards towards the center of your face for a natural-looking result.
Ensure seamless transitions
Pay attention to the edges of your contour and make sure they seamlessly fade into your foundation. Use gentle strokes or tapping motions with your brush or sponge to ensure a smooth transition. The goal is to create a contour that looks like a natural shadow rather than an obvious makeup application.
Set and Finish
To ensure your cream contour lasts all day and looks flawless, it’s essential to set and finish the look.
Set your contour with powder
After blending your cream contour, set it with a powder contour of a similar shade. This step helps to lock the cream product in place and adds longevity to your makeup. Use a small, fluffy brush to apply the powder contour to the same areas you contoured earlier. Make sure to blend the powder seamlessly with your cream contour for a cohesive and long-lasting result.
Apply blush and highlighter
To complete your contour look, add a touch of blush to the apples of your cheeks and a highlighter to the high points of your face. Blush adds a healthy flush of color, while highlighter brings a luminous glow to your skin. Use a blush brush to apply the blush and a small highlighting brush or your fingertips to apply the highlighter. Blend the products softly to achieve a natural and radiant finish.
Set your makeup with setting spray
Once you’ve finished your cream contour and applied blush and highlighter, set your makeup with a setting spray. Setting spray helps to hold your makeup in place, ensuring it remains intact throughout the day. Hold the spray a few inches away from your face and mist it evenly all over. Allow it to dry naturally, and you’re ready to go with your beautifully contoured face.
Avoid Common Mistakes
To achieve a flawless contour, it’s essential to avoid some common mistakes that can compromise your end result.
Using too much product
One of the most common mistakes in cream contouring is using too much product. Remember, less is more. Start with a small amount of contour cream and build it up to your desired intensity. Applying too much product can make your contour appear harsh or unnatural.
Not blending properly
Proper blending is key to achieving a natural-looking contour. Make sure to blend your contour product thoroughly, focusing on seamless transitions between your contour and foundation. Harsh lines or unblended areas can detract from the overall effect.
Neglecting to set your contour
Setting your contour is necessary to ensure its longevity. Don’t forget to set your cream contour with a powder contour shade, as mentioned earlier. This step helps to lock in the cream product and prevent smudging or fading throughout the day.
Contouring Different Face Shapes
Contouring can be customized based on your face shape to achieve the most flattering results. Here are some tips for contouring different face shapes:
Contouring for oval face shape
For an oval face shape, focus on contouring the areas right below your cheekbones, temples, and jawline. Use the contour shade to create soft shadows that enhance your natural bone structure. Blend carefully to maintain a balanced and subtle contour.
Contouring for round face shape
To contour a round face shape, focus on creating definition and slimming down the face. Apply the contour shade to the sides of your forehead, below your cheekbones, and along your jawline. Blend thoroughly for a sculpted and angular effect.
Contouring for square face shape
For a square face shape, contour the jawline and temples to soften the angles and create a more oval appearance. Apply the contour shade along the sides of your forehead and below your cheekbones. Blend well to achieve a natural-looking contour that complements your face shape.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you master the art of cream contouring:
Practice makes perfect
Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt at cream contouring doesn’t turn out perfectly. Like any skill, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different techniques, shades, and products to find what works best for you. With time and practice, you’ll become a contouring pro!
Blend contour with bronzer
To add an extra dimension to your contour, consider blending it with a warm-toned bronzer. Apply the bronzer lightly over your contour using a fluffy brush. The combination of contour and bronzer creates a more natural-looking shadow and warmth to your face.
Build up the intensity gradually
When contouring, it’s always better to start with less product and build up the intensity gradually. It’s easier to add more product than to remove excess. This gradual application allows you to have better control over the end result, preventing any mishaps or overly dramatic contours.
By following these comprehensive steps, you’ll master the art of cream contouring and achieve a flawless and natural-looking result. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt these techniques to suit your unique features. Have fun contouring your way to a sculpted and defined face!
